Arrive To: Welcome to the beginning of an exciting educational journey through some of the most outstanding scenery in the U.S.- sparkling rivers, surging ocean waves, a 6-mile wide caldera and the underground world of a marble cave. Meet your Road Scholar group leaders in the hotel meeting space at 4:00 PM. Orientation begins at 4:45 PM.

Dinner: A buffet dinner will be served in our meeting space at the hotel, followed by a chance to make new acquaintances.

Evening: Take a close look at our plans for the next 9 days. Our group leaders have a wealth of information to share.

Lodging: Clarion Hotel- Portland International Airport

Meals Included: Dinner

Breakfast: Enjoy a hot buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Our trek down the Oregon Coast, with it's ever-changing spectacular viewpoints, begins as we travel to Newport, stopping at Yaquina Head Lighthouse.

Lunch: Lunch at Izzy's with a variety of choices.

Afternoon: Prepare for our upcoming beach explorations with a trip to the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Walk through acrylic tunnels surrounded by several feet of sea water and come face to face with large sharks, rockfish and bat rays. Explore the many exhibits and enjoy the charming sea life of the northwest coast.

Dinner: Arrive in Yachats and enjoy dinner overlooking the waves.

Lodging: Adobe Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel down the Oregon Coast with its lighthouses, majestic capes and tranquil bays.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Following a lecture on Oregon's Coastal Geology, depart for Old town Florence to explore the historic portion of town. On his northwest voyage, the famous English seaman Captain Cook explored the Oregon coastline, giving names to many present landmarks, such as Cape Perpetua, named for the Holy Day on which it was first seen. Legend has it that Florence, Oregon was named after a French sailing vessel that went aground near the mouth of the Siuslaw River. The plank washed ashore and was hung above the Safley Hotel which then became the Florence Hotel and became the town's chosen name when the post office was established. The Hudson Bay Traders arrived in 1826. After many years of trading and fishing, the first cannery was established in 1876. By 1883, the town had a population of 200 with two stores, a hotel and a salmon cannery.

Lunch: On your own in Florence.

Afternoon: Take in the view from atop Cape Perpetua, which rises 800 feet above the sea. Learn about the wildlfowers, trees and animals along a 1/2-mile trail on the summit during an interpretive walk led by our group leader, a marine biologist.

Dinner: Enjoy a plated dinner at the hotel.

Evening: Following dinner a lecture on Coastal Natural History will be proved at the hotel.

Lodging: Adobe Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel

Morning: The Oregon Dunes, the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America, extend 60 miles along the coast from Florence to Coos Bay. You can't see these dunes from the highway, so climb aboard a giant dune buggy for a thrilling ride over the mountains of sand. The ride will culminate in a stop atop one of the highest dunes in North America, a whopping 600 feet high!

Lunch: Lunch at Lord Bennett's restaurant overlooking the scenic Oregon Coast

Afternoon: After lunch travel on to Gold Beach, where the Rogue River meets the Pacific Ocean. Spend the night here in this remote little sea town.

Dinner: Dinner at Spinners in Gold Beach.

Lodging: Gold Beach Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Oregon's rugged south coast gives way to California's towering Redwoods.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Hang on for a thrilling ride up the Wild and Scenic Rogue River aboard a jet boat. See Osprey and other wildlife as your jet boat captain negotiates the rapids of one of the world's most beautiful river valleys. The jet boat ride will be a dynamic introduction to the southern Oregon Coast's backcountry.

Lunch: Lunch in Agness, a charming town of 75 people.

Afternoon: Travel South continuing with our onboard lecture by our group leader and biologist as you meet the giants of the coast as you encounter the first of the area's majestic Redwoods on your way south. Enter California and see some of the world's tallest trees.

Dinner: Dinner on your own to explore local fare.

Lodging: Best Western Bayshore Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Walk amongst the ancient Redwoods. Learn about the ecology of this unique land of giants.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: Our Redwoods expert meets us this morning and continues with us throughout the day. Travel on the world-famous scenic drive, The Avenue of the Giants, 31 miles of redwood groves. It is by far the most outstanding display of these giant trees in the entire 500 mile redwood belt. Take a 1/2 mile loop walk overshadowed by these giant redwoods...a perfect picture taking opportunity!

Lunch: Picnic lunch in the Redwoods.

Afternoon: Continue your exploration of the Redwood forest with our local expert as she points out interesting aspects of this forest of giants. Make a stop at a scenic Victorian village.

Dinner: Dinner at the historic (and rustic) Samoa Cookhouse, where Eureka's loggers and lumbermen have enjoyed hearty family-style meals for generations.

Lodging: Best Western Bayshore Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Wind north through the spectacular Redwoods, stopping at the Jedediah Smith State Park, renowned for its beauty.

Lunch: Picnic lunch at the Park.

Afternoon: Venture deep inside the earth to explore a marble cave at the Oregon Caves National Monument. Learn of the geology, history and science of this cave recognized as one of the most geologically unique and botanically diverse in the U.S. The cave walk and return trail require good mobility and a sense of adventure!

Dinner: The Oregon Caves Chateau is one of Southern Oregon's most charming lodges. With rustic rooms, this unique 5 story historic landmark, covered with beautiful bark siding, is one of the West's most intriguing lodges. The Oregon Caves Chateau was featured in the PBS TV special and book "Great Lodges of the American West" for it's old fashioned charm and architectural elegance. Take a tour and then sit down to a great dinner in their restaurant.

Evening: Rest or explore on your own.

Lodging: Oregon Caves Chateau

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Encounter one of the natural wonders of the World at Crater Lake National Park.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the Chateau to get us started.

Morning: Travel to Crater Lake via our motorcoach with lecture en route.

Lunch: Lunch at Annie Creek.

Afternoon: Crater Lake: overwhelmingly yet sublimely beautiful! Take a breathtaking look from the brink of this 6-mile wide caldera, surrounded by a 36 mile circle of cliffs. Drive part of the Rim of the lake which was created by the eruption and collapse of Mt. Mazama almost 7,700 years ago.

Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.

Lodging: Best Western Newberry Station

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.

Morning: Travel to Newberry National Volcanic Monument's Lava Lands Visitor Center for a walk through a lava flow with your group leader and private intrepetive guide. This visit ties together much of what you have learned throughout your travels. Then head through Oregon's "Outback" to quiet little Sisters, Oregon.

Lunch: Lunch along the way.

Afternoon: Explore the wonderful museum at the Warm Springs Indian Reservation before skirting the flanks of Mt. Hood on your way to the Columbia River Gorge and thundering Multnomah Falls, the state's highest.

Dinner: Enjoy dinner as we share favorite experiences with each other from our journey, and stay to chat just a little longer!

Lodging: Clarion Hotel- Portland International Airport

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Hot breakfast at the hotel, followed by independent departures! We wish you a safe journey home and thanks for enjoying our wonderful Pacific Northwest with us! Come back for one of our many other programs!

Meals Included: Breakfast